The Power of Mattering: How Purpose & Morale Are Interconnected

By Chris Smith

10/20/2024

In any organization, fostering a sense of mattering—where individuals feel their contributions are seen and valued—is critical to creating an environment where people thrive. Mattering, purpose, and morale are deeply intertwined and together they form a foundation for personal and organizational success. Drawing on insights from military and government leadership, we can understand how these elements can elevate team performance and foster engagement in any setting.

Mattering: A Fundamental Human Need

At its core, mattering is about being seen and recognized for the value you bring. As Zach Mercurio, an expert in mattering at work, explains, people thrive when they feel noticed, affirmed, and needed (Zach Mercurio). This concept extends into leadership, where creating a sense of mattering for every individual can significantly boost morale.

Military leaders, such as General George C. Marshall, understood this well. Marshall believed that morale is a function of command, and he worked to ensure that his troops felt respected and valued under his leadership. His compassionate approach not only boosted morale but also ensured that his people performed at their best during critical moments (Marshall Foundation). Marshall’s leadership shows that when individuals feel like they matter, they are more committed to the team’s goals.

Purpose: The Driving Force Behind Engagement

Purpose gives meaning and direction to our actions. General Colin Powell famously said, “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier,” emphasizing that a clear sense of purpose drives people forward even in difficult times (U.S. Army). In the military, purpose is often framed around mission success. Leaders like Powell and General George S. Patton emphasized the importance of aligning individual efforts with the larger mission to inspire perseverance, especially in high-pressure environments (Discover Walks).

This lesson applies equally in civilian contexts. When employees understand how their work contributes to the larger goals of the organization, they feel a stronger connection to their work. Organizations that emphasize purpose-driven leadership provide their teams with a clear “why,” motivating them to stay engaged and focused (McKinsey & Company).

Morale: The Outcome of Feeling Valued

Morale is the direct result of individuals feeling valued for their contributions. When people feel that their work matters and that they are appreciated for it, their morale naturally increases, which leads to better performance. General Marshall’s focus on treating his team well demonstrates that fostering respect and recognition is essential to maintaining high morale (Marshall Foundation).

In military training environments, where soldiers are often pushed to their limits, maintaining morale is key to success. Rigorous leadership programs and mentorship ensure that soldiers feel prepared and valued, reinforcing their sense of purpose and boosting morale (Army University Press). Similarly, in organizations, acknowledging achievements, celebrating wins, and providing growth opportunities are all essential practices for maintaining high morale (Great Place to Work) (IMD Business School).

The Cycle of Mattering, Purpose, and Morale

Together, mattering, purpose, and morale form a continuous cycle of engagement and motivation:

• Purpose provides meaning and direction for individuals.
• Mattering reinforces that their contributions are valued, leading to a stronger sense of belonging.
• Morale increases when individuals feel both purposeful and appreciated, driving them to perform at their best.

This cycle not only enhances individual performance but also creates a culture of engagement within organizations, where employees are more productive, loyal, and committed to the success of the team.

Lessons from Military and Government Leadership

Leadership lessons from the military and government offer valuable insights into how organizations can foster mattering, purpose, and morale:

• George C. Marshall’s leadership during World War II illustrated that compassionate leadership boosts morale and creates a culture of belonging. His ability to make his team feel valued led to higher engagement and commitment (Marshall Foundation).
• Colin Powell and George Patton emphasized the importance of aligning team efforts with a clear purpose, which drives both resilience and motivation (U.S. Army) (Discover Walks).
• Zach Mercurio’s work on mattering shows that recognition and affirmation are critical in building a team where every individual feels their contributions are essential (Zach Mercurio).

Conclusion: Creating a Culture Where Everyone Matters

In both military and civilian environments, mattering, purpose, and morale are essential for creating a culture of engagement and success. When individuals feel that their work is purposeful and valued, they are more motivated, productive, and loyal. Leaders who emphasize these principles—by offering clear purpose, recognizing contributions, and building strong morale—create organizations where both individuals and teams thrive.

By learning from these military and government examples, organizations can foster a workplace where everyone matters, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.

Sources:

• Zach Mercurio on Mattering
• General George C. Marshall’s leadership on morale
• General Colin Powell’s insights on purpose and leadership
• General George S. Patton on courage and resilience
• McKinsey on Purpose and Employee Engagement
• Great Place to Work on Recognition and Morale
• IMD Business School on Leadership

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